Crossword Genius

Sage parent admits something going to her head? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mahatma

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'sage' is the definition.
(term for a wise Hindu leader)

'parent admits something going to her head?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'parent' could be 'ma' (ma can mean mum or mother) and 'ma' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mahatma that I've seen before include "Wise and holy leader in 12" , "Adept" , "Sage (as e.g. Gandhi)" , "Brahman sage" , "Wise fellow" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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